Biography
Born in Bibb County, Georgia, Benson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1877. His early years of sea duty included cruise around the World in Dolphin during the 1880s. He was also active in coast survey and hydrographic duties, was an instructor at the Naval Academy, commanded the cruiser Albany (CL-23) and served as a flag aide, in addition to other assignments.
In 1909, Benson was promoted to Captain and became Chief of Staff of the US Pacific Fleet. In 1911, Benson became the first Commanding Officer of the battleship Utah (BB-31). He was Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1913-15.
Read more about this topic: William S. Benson
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“A biography is like a handshake down the years, that can become an arm-wrestle.”
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